Principal Data Scientist

Principal Data Scientist

• You are curious and passionate to build advanced ML and Gen AI models
• We are ambitious in our pursuit of exceptional customer, colleagues and community experiences using ML and Gen AI!
• Together we will deliver innovative Gen AI solutions at scale that will deliver transformative impact

Do work that matters:

Here, you’ll turn your passion into reality. In this role, you will contribute to design, development and implementation to cutting edge Gen AI solutions to accelerate Retail Banking Service's AI ambition and strategic priorities. You will work closely with key stakeholders, and cross-functional teams to ensure exceptional customer and business outcomes.

You will come with a strong business acumen along with demonstrable experience in using Gen AI, Deep Learning, Machine Learning and will be part of a high-performing team of data scientists to deliver high quality solutions leveraging Deep Learning and Generative AI.

You will technically drive your team to deliver world-class data science and AI capabilities across RBS and the Group. Our strategic focus is on positioning the Group at the forefront of AI innovation, delighting our customers at every interaction, and driving technology modernization. Your leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future direction and vision of AI, with a particular emphasis on Generative and Agentic AI.

See yourself in our team:

As we continue our pursuit of NPS +30 we need to transform the way we engage with our customers and support communities and people.  Our Retail Banking Services (RBS) AI and Data Science team is central to realizing the Group’s vision of a future enriched by advanced AI technologies. We integrate cutting-edge Generative AI, Agentic AI, and Deep Learning methodologies to provide a seamless, customer-centric banking experience. Our team delivers market-leading products and services supported by some of the world’s most sophisticated systems and processes.

As a community, our data scientists have diverse backgrounds and industry experience, with state-of-the-art machine learning research and development expertise, and in-depth knowledge of structured and unstructured data in the Bank. We are open-minded, curious and passionate about problem solving and AI driven innovation at scale. In CBA we collaborate with universities and start-ups, hold regular knowledge sharing, technical training and external talks which aid in growing the AI community and industry reputation.

We support our people with the flexibility to balance where work is done with at least half your time each month connecting in office. We also have many other flexible working options available including changing start and finish times, part-time arrangements and job share to name a few. Talk to us about how these arrangements might work for you.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and communicate a strategic vision for AI initiatives, aligning them with organizational goals and driving the overall AI strategy in Retail Banking Services.
• Lead the development of innovative solutions to complex organizational problems, leveraging advanced technical knowledge and specialist expertise.
• Conduct and oversee advanced research to apply new methods and technologies to solve complex problems, ensuring the organisation stays ahead of industry trends.
• Provide strategic and hands-on technical leadership, and ensuring projects are executed with technical excellence and innovation.
• Work closely with other AI and Data Science bar raisers to build a culture of performance and contribute to craft across the entire AI and Data Science Practice.
• Actively partner with internal AI and data science teams and external strategic partners to share knowledge, best practices and bring the best of AI led impact to Retail Banking Services.
• Gen AI and Agentic AI Initiatives: Drive the expansion and adoption of Generative AI and Agentic AI solutions within retail banking. Optimize product offerings, enhance customer experiences, and simplify internal processes through the design, development, and integration of these AI technologies.
• Enable AI team: Upskill AI and data science practitioners and enhance capabilities in key techniques such as prompt design, RAG, fine-tuning, agentic AI frameworks. Ensure expertise in tools and establish best practices for monitoring, testing, and validating GenAI solutions.
• Develop Transferrable and Re-usable Frameworks: Collaborate with technology and engineering teams to design and build standardized Gen AI assets applicable across the team.

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Leadership and Coordination:
  • Proven experience in leading high-performing multidisciplinary teams with Gen AI, predictive ML and data science skill sets.
  • Demonstrated capability in driving reusable outcomes that can be leveraged across the group.
  • Proficiency in risk management strategies to identify, mitigate, and manage AI-related risks.
• Technical Skills and Tools:
  • Generative AI Hands-On Delivery Experience: Demonstrated hands-on experience as a data scientist, with recent successful applications of Generative AI in a business context.
  • Expertise includes prompt engineering, RAG, guardrail design, orchestration design, and familiarity with frameworks like Semantic Kernel and LangGraph.
  • Machine Learning: Expertise in designing and constructing machine learning models, including feature engineering, model selection, hyperparameter tuning, model evaluation, and deployment of predictive models.
  • Tooling: Hands-on experience with Deep Learning, GenAI and data science tools such as Spark, Python, R, TensorFlow, PyTorch, SQL, and key AWS integration packages.
  • AI Platforms: Demonstrated experience in developing, deploying, and monitoring Deep Learning, Gen AI and AI models on AWS infrastructures, including Bedrock, SageMaker, Knowledge Base, and OpenSearch.

Working with us: 

Whether you’re passionate about customer service, ambitious about AI, or called by creativity, a career here is for you.

Our people bring their diverse backgrounds and unique perspectives to build a respectful, inclusive and flexible workplace. We are working hard to recruit people who represent the diversity of our customers and our society. If you're excited about this opportunity but you don't meet every single requirement, or your experience doesn't align perfectly, we still want to encourage you to send in your application. You may just be the perfect candidate for this opportunity or another within CommBank.

At CommBank we will inspire you with work that makes a difference, surround you with talent people that respect and value each other, and empower you to grow professionally and personally. Most of all, making a positive impact for customers, communities and each other is part of our every day.

We’re determined to make a real difference for Australia’s first peoples. We encourage all interested applicants to apply. If you’re already part of the Commonwealth Bank Group (including BankWest), you’ll need to apply through Sidekick to submit a valid application. We’re keen to support you with the next step in your career. 

APPLY NOW to do your best work and live your best life with us!

If you're already part of the Commonwealth Bank Group (including Bankwest, x15ventures), you'll need to apply through Sidekick to submit a valid application. We’re keen to support you with the next step in your career.

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